A recent nationwide survey by the New Jersey Real Estate Network has ranked America’s most scenic coastal towns and three Michigan communities made the cut.
The ranking assessed 135 coastal towns across the U.S. based on their visual appeal and charm.
Here are the Michigan locations:
Bay View (No. 15)
Situated just north of Petoskey on Little Traverse Bay, this seasonal Victorian community is renowned for its 440 historic cottages, terraced grounds and its designation on the National Register of Historic Places.
It was founded in 1875 as a Methodist camp meeting site and has grown into a cultural enclave rooted in the Chautauqua tradition of arts, worship, education and recreation.
Leland (No. 52)
Located on the Leelanau Peninsula between Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau, Leland is celebrated for its storied fishing district — Fishtown — with preserved fish shanties, smokehouses and historic docks lining the Leland River. Its timeless charm, with no stoplights and a picturesque canal, makes it an enduring tourism destination.
Charlevoix (No. 58)
Positioned between Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix, this small town blends historic docks, a scenic harbor and architectural quirks like Earl Young’s famed “mushroom houses.”
Its deep harbor and cultural festivals—including Venetian and petunia planting events—add to its appeal. It’s also the gateway between Round Lake and Lake Michigan.
